Final answer:
Boats mandated to carry visual distress signals must comply with maritime safety regulations, which dictate the minimum number of signals based on various factors. These requirements are crucial for emergency situations, and captains and crew must be trained in their proper use.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question of how many visual distress signals are required on boats that are mandated to carry them is a matter established by maritime safety regulations. The minimum number is typically mandated by the vessel’s size, the body of water where the vessel is operated, and specific regulations set forth by maritime authorities. In general, the regulation often requires a mix of daytime and nighttime signals, including flares, smoke signals, and other devices that can visually convey distress to potential rescuers.
It is important for safety that captains and crew members are familiar with these requirements, and they often undergo training to understand how to properly use such signals in an emergency. For example, a "baucans" is a historical term related to maritime signal flags flown from a masthead to signal an intent to give battle, which showcases how visual communication at sea has long been a vital part of nautical tradition and safety protocols.
The story passages given reflect the challenges and dangers faced at sea and underscore the importance of having proper safety equipment, including visual distress signals. While visual cues such as lighthouses and signal fires have historically been used to navigate or signal to ships, modern safety regulations have standardized the equipment necessary for maritime safety.